Former Warriors enforcer Ruben Wiki is just days away from his return to the field at the NRL Auckland Nines and as you'd expect, he's embracing the physicality of full-contact rugby league.
"It was good to actually tackle someone, it's been a while," said the 44-year-old of his preparations to date.
"Hoffy [Ryan Hoffman], Simon [Mannering] and Albie [Albert Vete] were running straight at me and there's only one thing you can do, eh? Put 'em on their butt."
The veteran of over 300 NRL games made his last appearance for the Auckland-based franchise back in 2008, and has put his trainer duties aside for the past few weeks as the local favourites prepare for their fourth campaign at the burgeoning tournament.
"Excited, and nervous at the same time," said Wiki of his emotions leading into this weekend.
"But I've had a month to prepare, and I'm looking forward to running out with the young bulls."
The 55-Test Kiwi has made no secret of his desire to play at the Nines since the tournament's inception in 2014, having appeared at the short-lived Super League World Nines back in 1996 and 1997 alongside the man who would ultimately offer the call-up he's been seeking - new Warriors coach Stephen Kearney.
"Mooks [Kearney] asked me if I was keen to play and I thought he was joking, but the last three years I've been hinting to coaches to see if I can get out there.
"It was a great concept back in '96 and '97 and it's great that it's come back again, and now I get the opportunity to run out there on Eden Park with the boys."
The Warriors squad has a balanced feel to it – sporting the experienced cornerstones of Ryan Hoffman and Shaun Johnson with a host of promising new talent looking to stamp their mark in front of a significant global audience.
"There's some up and coming players coming through – Isaiah Papalii, Lewis Soosemea, Junior Pauga, all these guys that could be my sons really."
For Wiki himself the expectations are simple - it's an opportunity to flex his competitive muscles while putting himself to the test playing the game he's dedicated his life to.
"It's new territory for me, I'm just looking forward to running out there and representing the club again. My wife and kids are going to be out there and they haven't seen Daddy play for a while, so it should be fun.
"I get to dabble with the young bucks and show this old bull's still got a little bit in there somewhere."
Newshub.